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The race for the Golden Glove award has emerged as one of the highlights of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with several goalkeepers producing outstanding performances to keep their teams in contention.
The Golden Glove is presented to the tournament’s best goalkeeper based on overall performances, crucial saves, leadership and the number of clean sheets. The award was introduced in 1994 and was known as the Lev Yashin Award until 2010, in honour of the legendary Soviet goalkeeper.
Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez, who played a key role in his country’s World Cup triumph in Qatar, is the defending Golden Glove winner. History also favours goalkeepers from the title-winning side, with four of the last five winners coming from the eventual World Cup champions.
This year’s tournament has featured a series of exceptional displays between the posts.
Among the standout performers is Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, whose remarkable saves have earned widespread praise and made him a sensation on social media. Reports suggest his performances have attracted interest from Major League Soccer club Inter Miami.
Other leading contenders include Uruguay’s Orlando Gill, Portugal’s Diogo Costa, Switzerland’s Gregor Kobel, Morocco’s Yassine Bounou (Bono) and Egypt’s Mostafa Shobeir, all of whom have delivered match-winning saves during the tournament.
The winner of the Golden Glove will be announced after Sunday’s World Cup final, with performances in the title decider expected to play a decisive role in determining the recipient of one of FIFA’s most prestigious individual honours.